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Monday, June 24, 2013

How to Set Up a Banquet

How to Set Up a Banquet

Preparing for a banquet can be extremely stressful and hectic, even for someone who is normally very organized and composed. Whether the banquet is for a wedding, an awards show, a presentation or anything else, once the day of the banquet arrives, there are a few things you must get done in order for the event to go off without a hitch. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Write down or print out a list of all the guests. This will give you a good idea of how many people will show up, generally a little less than are on the list, so you can stage the banquet properly. You will also use the guest list as a way of ensuring that crashers don't make it into the banquet.

    2

    Create a menu for the food and drinks you plan on serving. Ensure you have multiple meat selections and at least one vegetarian selection, so hopefully everyone can find something they enjoy. The menu selection also will determine the type of dishes you will use, since hors d'oeuvres can be used with plastic and paper plates, but you want solid plates if your guests will have to cut through any meat. Check with the hall's kitchen staff, or the catering company, to ensure they can produce everything on your menu. Also procure as wide a selection of beverages as possible, including water, juices, tea and alcoholic beverages.

    3

    Use your guest list to determine the number of tables and chairs you will need and then arrange them inside the hall. Most banquets use circular tables spread out over the entire hall, but you can do something different, if you desire. If you have rectangle-shaped tables, consider arranging them in a "U" shape or a large square. If there is a large presentation taking place during the banquet, you should consider positioning the tables at an angle, pointing toward the podium, so guests on both sides of the table can view the presentation.

    4

    Place tables around the room for beverage and food self-service stations. Even if you have hired a wait-staff to handle the banquet, these tables can serve as beverage refill stations, saving the staff valuable time as they don't have to run back into the kitchen. If you are serving a buffet-style dinner, make sure there is ample room on both sides of these tables so multiple people can take their food at the same time. Keep the food and beverage tables as separate as possible to lessen the crowd around your tables.

    5

    Decorate the hall according to the event. Ensure that any colors match any themes your guests might have, like a particular set of colors for a wedding. Place flowers and candles on the tables if you feel they are appropriate. For really large banquets, you may want to contact a local decorating company, since they will have the experience and the materials to turn your ideas into proper decorations.

    6

    Set up a table to hold the projector or stereo if your banquet will include a presentation. Even if the hall has its own built-in projector or display mechanism, you will need to collect and prepare the materials for the presentation.

    7

    Place a table outside of the banquet hall, near the entrance. Assign someone to stand at this table and give them the guest list. Ensure only people on the list are allowed into the banquet. If you are giving each guest a token or goodie bag, you may want to have them at this table so guests can pick one up on their way in.

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